Joe Montana

Football Player

Born: 11 June 1956

Birthplace: New Eagle, Pennsylvania

Best known as: The quarterback who won four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers

Joe Montana is the most famous quarterback in the history of the San Francisco 49ers, having led the team to four Super Bowl victories in the 1980s. Joe Montana joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1979 after playing college football at the University of Notre Dame. Considered something of a long shot, Montana wasn't drafted by the 49ers until the third round. He ended up as the team's starting quarterback and took the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories: in 1982, 1985, 1989 and 1990. He was especially famous for his calm under pressure and for leading last-minute, game-winning drives. In the mid-'90s Montana left the 49ers after being replaced by his former backup Steve Young. Montana played the last two years of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, retiring in 1995. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Extra credit:

In 1993, the town of Ismay, Montana (population 22) changed its name to Joe in honor of the football star… Joe Montana is the only player to be named MVP of the Super Bowl three times: in 1982, 1985 and 1990. Two-time winners include Bart Starr, Terry Bradshaw and Tom Brady; all four played quarterback… Joe Montana threw many of his passes to record-breaking receiver Jerry Rice.